AAVSB - American Association of Veterinary State Boards Emergency and Critical Care Questions and Answers

Question 1

According to the RECOVER initiative guidelines for veterinary CPR, what is the recommended rate for chest compressions in both dogs and cats?

Accepted Answer

100-120 compressions per minute

Answer

60-80 compressions per minute

Answer

140-160 compressions per minute

Answer

As fast as possible

Question 2

A 5-year-old Labrador Retriever presents after being hit by a car. The dog is tachycardic (180 bpm), has pale mucous membranes, weak femoral pulses, and a capillary refill time of >3 seconds. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial fluid resuscitation plan?

Accepted Answer

Administer a one-quarter shock dose (approx. 20-25 mL/kg) of an isotonic crystalloid over 15 minutes and then reassess.

Answer

Administer 5% dextrose in water at a maintenance rate.

Answer

Administer a 5 mL/kg bolus of hypertonic saline followed by an isotonic crystalloid.

Answer

Immediately administer a full shock dose (90 mL/kg) of an isotonic crystalloid as quickly as possible.

Question 3

A 7-year-old cat is presented in severe respiratory distress, exhibiting open-mouth breathing, a neck-extended posture, and cyanosis. The cat is extremely stressed. Which of the following is the most appropriate first action?

Accepted Answer

Provide supplemental oxygen in a calm, minimally stressful manner (e.g., in an oxygen cage or via flow-by) and administer a light sedative if needed.

Answer

Immediately take thoracic radiographs to diagnose the cause.

Answer

Place an intravenous catheter and draw blood for a complete blood count and chemistry panel.

Answer

Perform a detailed oral examination to check for foreign bodies.

Question 4

You are the triage nurse in a busy emergency clinic. Which of the following four patients should be evaluated by a veterinarian first?

Accepted Answer

A 10-year-old Great Dane with a distended abdomen, who is pacing and retching non-productively.

Answer

A 2-year-old cat with a minor skin laceration on its flank, still bright and alert.

Answer

A 6-month-old puppy with a 12-hour history of vomiting but is currently quiet and resting.

Answer

A 4-year-old dog who is weight-bearing lame on its right hind limb after playing fetch.

Question 5

A 4-year-old dog is presented for acute lethargy, vomiting, and ataxia. The owner suspects the dog may have licked up a puddle of antifreeze in the garage 12 hours ago. Which microscopic finding in the urine sediment would be most supportive of a diagnosis of ethylene glycol toxicity?

Accepted Answer

Calcium oxalate monohydrate crystals

Answer

Struvite crystals

Answer

Calcium oxalate dihydrate crystals

Answer

Ammonium biurate crystals

Question 6

A large-breed dog presents with signs highly suggestive of Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV). Which of the following interventions is the most critical and immediate component of stabilization?

Accepted Answer

Placing two large-bore intravenous catheters and starting aggressive fluid resuscitation.

Answer

Administering broad-spectrum antibiotics intravenously.

Answer

Obtaining right lateral abdominal radiographs to confirm the diagnosis.

Answer

Performing an electrocardiogram (ECG) to check for arrhythmias.